1-2027003-008 Environmental Monitoring Assessment Consulting.pdf

CONTRACT Nos. 2027003-2027008

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

In Accordance with FL 287.055 Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA)

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

CHRISTINA SACKETT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

AMY FLACK, PURCHASING SPECIALIST II

Website: http://www.tampabaywater.org E-Mail: purchasing@tampabaywater.org

2575 ENTERPRISE ROAD

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33763-1102

CONTRACT Nos.: 2027003, 2027004, 2027005, 20270006, 2027007, & 2027008

TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ASSESSMENT & CONSULTING SERVICES

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), on April 29, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Tampa Bay Water issues its solicitations electronically through its online electronic procurement (e-procurement) portal, Euna Procurement (Euna). All addenda to such solicitations will be issued exclusively through Euna. If Respondent obtained this solicitation from a source other than Euna, Respondent will not be listed on the document takers list and will not receive notification of any addenda issued. Failure to receive any issued addenda shall not relieve the Respondent from any obligations(s) contained in the addenda.

To access Tampa Bay Water solicitations, any addenda and Proposal results, go to:

https://tampabaywater.bonfirehub.com. If Respondent needs assistance in registering with Euna send an email to: support@gobonfire.com or visit Bonfire’s help forum at https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

Table of Contents

PART I - PROJECT BACKGROUND & GENERAL INFORMATION FOR RESPONDENTS

PART II - ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

PART III - PROCESS AND EVALUATION INFORMATION

PART IV - PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT

PART V - PROPOSAL FORMS

PART VI - SCOPE OF SERVICES

PART VII - SAMPLE CONTRACT

PART I - PROJECT BACKGROUND & GENERAL INFORMATION FOR

RESPONDENTS

1. TAMPA BAY WATER BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its Member Governments that, in turn, supply water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water’s Member Governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

The utility’s mission is to reliably provide clean safe water to the Tampa Bay Region now and for future generations.

Tampa Bay Water is a non-profit, special district of the State of Florida-a true regional utility, funded through the sale of water to its Member Governments. Through Tampa Bay Water, the utility’s members work together to develop and supply drinking water to the region in an environmentally sound manner. Members share voting rights equitably among the three counties and pay the same wholesale water rates.

Tampa Bay Water was created in 1998 by interlocal agreement among its Member Governments.

Policies are established by a nine-member board of directors, with two elected commissioners from each member county and one elected representative from each member city.

To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit responses from qualified firms or individuals to provide Environmental Monitoring Assessments and Consulting Services for the following Tampa Bay Water Wellfields.

Cross Bar Ranch Wellfield Cypress Bridge Wellfield Cypress Creek Wellfield J.B. Starkey/North Pasco Wellfield Morris Bridge Wellfield Northwest Hillsborough Wellfield

These wellfields are part of Tampa Bay Water’s Central System and are water supply facilities permitted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) under the Consolidated Water Use Permit (WUP, No. 2011771.02). The purpose of the ecological monitoring and assessment projects is to monitor and provide an analysis of the hydrological and ecological condition of the project areas and surrounding areas in relation to potential environmental perturbations that could occur naturally (e.g., climatic events, abiotic and biotic disturbances) or from human activity (e.g., wellfield production, regional development, drainage effects). The goal of the projects is to maintain compliance with all of the applicable requirements of the Consolidated WUP.

Respondents should have an established reputation and documented successful experience in providing Environmental Monitoring Assessment Consulting Services. The Proposer selected is expected to have appropriately experienced staff and resources to provide comprehensive, reliable products and services regarding these services and will be required to demonstrate this via the submittal documents and/or associated interviews, if deemed necessary.

3. DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise defined in this RFP, all capitalized words, abbreviations, and terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Sample Contract.

The following terms when used in this RFP shall have the following meaning:

“Proposer” means a qualified Respondent for this solicitation. If Proposer is a consortium, partnership, joint venture, or other organization, this definition shall include all partners, members, or participants.

“Respondent” is an entity who submitted a Proposal for the Project. If Respondent is a consortium, partnership, joint venture, or other organization, this definition shall include all partners, members, or participants.

“Tampa Bay Water” means the Project owner.

“Member Governments” means the Counties of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas and the cities of Tampa, New Port Richey and St. Petersburg.

“Professional Services Contract” means the Contract executed by Tampa Bay Water and the Awarded Consultant(s).

“Proposal” or “Submittal” refers to a Respondent’s response to the requirements of this RFP.

“Proposal Forms” are the forms located in RFP Submittal Form, Part V.

“Proposal Due Date” is the date and time that Proposals are due, as stated in the RFP.

4. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Electronic Submittals are preferred and highly encouraged. Proposals may be submitted electronically via Tampa Bay Water’s e-procurement portal at https://tampabaywater.bonfirehub. To submit a Proposal electronically Respondent must register with Bonfire and follow the instructions in the portal. Minimum system requirements:

Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. Javascript and browser cookies must be enabled. Maximum upload file size is 1000MB. Documents should not be embedded within uploaded files as the embedded files will not be accessible. Respondent will have the ability to modify their Proposal up to the Proposal Due Date in Bonfire. Proposals must be uploaded, submitted, and finalized prior to the Proposal Due Date at 10:00 a.m. EST, April 29, 2026. Tampa Bay Water strongly recommends that Respondent give themselves sufficient time and at least one (1) day before the Proposal Due Date/Time to begin the uploading process and finalize submissions. Tampa Bay Water is not responsible for any technical problems in the electronic transmission and/or delay in receipt due to technical problems. Such electronic transmittal errors will not alter or effect the deadline date and time for receipt of Proposals. If Respondent requires assistance they should contact Bonfire at support@gobonfire.com.

B. Non-Electronic Submittals are accepted if Respondent is not able to submit electronically.

Submittal must be received in Tampa Bay Water’s office located at 2575 Enterprise Road, Clearwater, Florida 33763-1102 no later than 10:00 a.m. EST, April 29, 2026. A signed original, and one digital copy on a CD or flash drive, of the complete Proposal, must be submitted. Proposals will be retained as property of Tampa Bay Water.

Non-electronic submittals must be clearly marked “Sealed Proposal” and addressed as follows:

TAMPA BAY WATER

2575 Enterprise Road

Clearwater, Florida 33763-1102 Attention: Records Department

TAMPA BAY WATER CONTRACT Nos # 2027003-2027008

C. Late Proposals will not be considered. No Proposals can be withdrawn after the Proposal Due Date without the written permission of Tampa Bay Water. Any inquiries, discrepancies or inconsistencies in the instructions to Respondents or Proposal requirements should be submitted through the Vendor Discussion section in Bonfire or via email to purchasing@tampabaywater.org only if Respondent is unable to register in Bonfire.

5. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. EST on March 24, 2026 at Tampa Bay Water’s office located at 2575 Enterprise Road, Clearwater, Florida 33763. Attendance at the Pre-Proposal Conference is not mandatory, but all prospective Respondents are strongly encouraged to attend. Failure to attend the non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will not relieve a successful Proposer of its obligations to furnish the services necessary to carry out all the requirements and provisions set forth in the contract. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations for the Pre-Proposal Conference should contact Tampa Bay Water’s Human Resources Department at 727-796-2355 at least three (3) working days prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference.

To ask questions concerning this RFP solicitation process, required submittals, evaluation criteria, selection process or any other matter regarding this procurement Respondents are strongly encouraged to register with Tampa Bay Water’s public purchasing portal at https://tampabaywater.bonfirehub.com and initiate the questions electronically through the Vendor Discussions feature. If Respondent is unable to register in Bonfire, send an email to purchasing@tampabaywater.org. All questions received prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference will be discussed at the Pre-Proposal Conference. Tampa Bay Water will accept additional written inquiries via the Vendor Discussion feature in Bonfire (preferred method) or at the email address above until 5:00 p.m. EST on April 1, 2026. Additional information, if any, will be provided to all Respondents via a written addendum through Bonfire.

6. SIGNATURE PAGE AND AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES FORM

The Signature Page and Authorized Signatures Form (see Part V Proposal Forms) and any additional Proposal Forms requiring a signature must be signed by an individual with authority to sign on behalf of the Respondent. If signature is by an agent, other than an officer of the corporation or a member of a partnership, a notarized power-of-attorney must accompany the Proposal.

7. SAMPLE CONTRACT AND CONTRACT TERM

Respondents shall review the attached draft Sample Contract that Tampa Bay Water will utilize to secure the services described herein in its entirety. As part of the submittal package, Respondent will provide a written statement accepting the terms and conditions of the Contract “as is” with no modifications or provide comments or requests for modifications for Tampa Bay Water’s consideration. Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to reject the Respondent’s comments and further reserves the right to make modifications to the draft Sample Contract before finalizing an agreement with the successful Proposer. Time is of the essence; therefore, Respondent should be prepared to execute the Contract in a timely manner upon selection in order to begin the work required within the timeframe established.

Tampa Bay Water intends to award up to six (6) contracts for these services. The term of the Contracts shall begin on October 1, 2026, and expire four (4) years from that date. Respondents must indicate which locations they are proposing on where indicated. However, Proposers may be awarded up to two (2) Contracts, but no more than two (2) shall be awarded to any single Proposer.

8. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

The successful Proposer shall comply with all local, State, and Federal statutes, regulations, directives and orders as applicable to the services provided and offered to Tampa Bay Water.

9. CONVICTED VENDOR, DISCRIMINATORY VENDOR LISTS, AND SCRUTINIZED

COMPANIES LIST

A. Pursuant to Subsections 287.133(2) and (3), Florida Statutes, Respondent acknowledges that a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a Contract, provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a Contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a Contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

B. Pursuant to Subsection 287.134(2)(a), Florida Statutes, Respondent acknowledges that an entity or affiliate who has been placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity.

C. Pursuant to Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, Respondent acknowledges that a company that has been placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List; the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Section List; or the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or a company that engages in a boycott of Israel, is ineligible and may not submit a bid, proposal, or enter into or renew a contract with an agency for goods or services of $1 million or more. At the time of submission of a bid, proposal or reply for a contract or contract renewal for goods or services of $1 million or more, the company must certify that it is not on either such list and further that it does not have business operations in Cuba or Syria as required by Section 287.135(5), Florida Statutes.

D. Pursuant to Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, Respondent acknowledges that Tampa Bay Water has the option to terminate any contract for goods or services of $1 million or more if the awarded company is found to have submitted a false certification as provided under Section 287.135(5), been placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or been engaged in Business operations in Cuba or Syria.

E. Pursuant to Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, Respondent acknowledges that Tampa Bay Water has the option to terminate any contract for goods or services of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) or more if the awarded company is found to have or been placed on the Scrutinized Companies or Other Entities that Boycott Israel List or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

10. FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN

Pursuant to Section 287.138, Florida Statues, Tampa Bay Water may not enter into a contract with an entity that gives access to an individual’s personal identifying information if the entity is owned, controlled or organized under the laws of a Foreign Country of Concern which includes the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro, the Syrian Arab Republic, or any other entity or agency under the significant control of such Foreign Country of Concern.

11. COMMUNICATIONS

Tampa Bay Water is committed to a fair, open process for interested parties to receive information about the Project and the competitive procurement process that Tampa Bay Water is using for selection of a Consultant and award of the Contract. All questions concerning this RFP and/or the procurement process must be directed electronically through Bonfire on the Vendor Discussion page or submitted via email to purchasing@tampabaywater.org.

All inquiries are subject to distribution to all Respondents. Any contact with Tampa Bay Water staff, Board members, Tampa Bay Water Advisors (other than listed above), and other key Project stakeholders by a Respondent concerning any matter relating to this procurement is prohibited and is grounds for disqualification.

12. NOTIFICATION OF AWARD/RIGHT TO PROTEST

Tampa Bay Water will award up to six (6) Contracts to the highest-ranking, responsive, responsible Proposer(s) deemed by the Selection Committee as most qualified to provide the services under the Contract included herein. No more than two (2) Contracts shall be awarded to any single Consultant. The awarded Consultant(s) must be registered to do business in the State of Florida.

Information regarding registration can be found at the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations website at http://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz. Notification of Tampa Bay Water’s decision regarding this solicitation will be posted on Bonfire on-line and via link on Tampa Bay Water’s website.

13. FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post a bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. This includes, but is not limited to, any objection to or protest of this RFP, notice of Award, the form and content of the Proposals and/or the actions of Tampa Bay Water.

14. ACCEPTANCE AND RIGHT OF REJECTION

Respondent understands that Proposals are to remain open for an acceptance period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the submittal due date for evaluation purposes. Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to reject all proposals.

15. EXECUTION OF CONTRACT/INSURANCE

The Respondent agrees upon receipt of the Notice of Award, and a final Contract, it shall execute and deliver to Tampa Bay Water two (2) original signed copies of the Agreement, and the Certificates of Insurance required herein, within ten (10) business days. Insurance documents as outlined in the attached Sample Contract must be received and approved prior to starting any service for Tampa Bay Water.

16. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

Prior to a recommendation for award, Tampa Bay Water will require the top ranked Proposer(s) to demonstrate qualifications to furnish the specified goods and/or services under the Contract.

Proposers must be prepared to submit written information requested by Tampa Bay Water within five (5) business days of a request. Tampa Bay Water may review Proposer’s prior experience, references and previous Contracts for similar goods and/or services. In addition, Tampa Bay Water may request the Proposer’s: three (3) most recent years of audited financial statements;

unaudited financial statements if audited statements are not available; Balance Sheets; Income Statements; Statements of Cash Flows; or other documents approved by Tampa Bay Water which establish the financial health of the Proposer. Financial statements provided to Tampa Bay Water should be prepared in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

As an alternative method of providing financial assurance of the Bidder’s ability to perform, Tampa Bay Water may consider a letter of credit issued by an acceptable surety in an amount sufficient to secure the Proposer’s completion of the work.

17. PROJECT OR SCOPE OF WORK OVERVIEW

The environmental monitoring and assessment for Cypress Creek; J.B. Starkey/North Pasco;

Morris Bridge; Cross Bar Ranch Wellfield; Cypress Creek Wellfield; and Northwest Hillsborough wellfields are six (6) separate projects. These wellfields are part of Tampa Bay Water’s Central System and are water supply facilities permitted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) under the Consolidated Water Use Permit (CWUP, No. 2011771.02). The purpose of the ecological monitoring and assessment projects is to monitor and provide an analysis of the hydrological and ecological condition of the project areas and surrounding areas in relation to potential environmental perturbations that could occur naturally (e.g., climatic events, abiotic and biotic disturbances) or from human activity (e.g., wellfield production, regional development, drainage effects). The goal of the projects is to maintain compliance with all of the applicable requirements of the Consolidated WUP.

18. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Below is the tentative schedule for this solicitation and award process. Respondents are asked to have key personnel available for Interviews/Presentations. Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to modify this schedule if needed due to operational commitments.

Event Date Time Advertise Request for Proposal March 11, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Pre-Proposal Conference March 24, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Inquiries Due April 1, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Addendum Published April 8, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Submittals Due to Tampa Bay Water April 29, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Evaluation of Submittals Due May 15, 2026 5:00 p.m.

Selection Committee Review Meeting May 20, 2026 9:00 a.m.

Interviews/Presentations (If required) June 2, 2026 9:00 a.m.

Contract Award at Board of Directors Meeting August 17, 2026 9:30 a.m.

PART II - ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

1. ADDENDA

Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to revise or amend this RFP. Such revisions and amendments, if any, shall be announced by Addenda to this RFP. Copies of such Addenda shall be posted via link on the Tampa Bay Water website and through its on-line service Bonfire at https://tampabaywater.bonfirehub.com. Proposal due date shall be at least five (5) working days after the last Addenda.

2. MINOR IRREGULARITIES

Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to either; 1) waive any minor irregularities or clerical errors which are not material to the RFP or which do not prejudice other Respondents; or 2) to reject any and all Proposals submitted as non-responsive. Conditional Proposals or those which take exception to any provision of the RFP may be considered non-responsive and may be rejected.

3. PUBLIC RECORDS

A. Respondent, by submitting a Proposal, acknowledges that the Proposal is a public record subject to public review. Further, Respondent acknowledges Tampa Bay Water’s legal obligation in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, to respond to all public records requests in a timely manner and expressly waives any right to contest, impede, prevent or delay such disclosure, or to initiate any proceeding that may have the effect of impeding, preventing or delaying such disclosure, unless the Respondent establishes its right to a public records exception. It is the responsibility of the Respondent alone to establish its right to any such exception. Under no circumstances will Tampa Bay Water be responsible or liable to a Respondent or any other party as a result of disclosing any such information or materials.

B. Respondent may clearly mark each page of the Proposal that contains trade secrets or other confidential commercial or financial information which the Respondent believes should not be disclosed outside of Tampa Bay Water. Disclosure of requested information will be determined in accordance with Florida laws, rules and regulations. Respondents are informed that Tampa Bay Water is subject to the Florida Public Records and Sunshine Laws.

C. Respondent, by submitting a Proposal acknowledges and agrees that if awarded a Contract as a result of this Proposal the following conditions will be made a part of the Contract.

Consultant must keep and maintain all public records required by Tampa Bay Water to perform services under the Contract.

Upon request from Tampa Bay Water’s custodian of public records, Consultant shall provide Tampa Bay Water with a copy of the requested public records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in Chapter 110, Florida Statutes, or as otherwise provided by law.

Consultant shall ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the Contract term and following completion of the Contract if the Consultant does not transfer the records to Tampa Bay Water.

Upon completion of the Contract, Consultant shall transfer, at no cost, to Tampa Bay Water all public records in the possession of the Consultant, or keep and maintain public records required by Tampa Bay Water to perform the services under the Contract. If the Consultant transfers all public records to Tampa Bay Water upon completion of the Contract, the Consultant shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Consultant keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the Contract, the Consultant shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to Tampa Bay Water, upon request from Tampa Bay

Water’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of Tampa Bay Water.

4. OWNER’S RIGHTS

Tampa Bay Water reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to:

A. Amend, suspend, or terminate this RFP;

B. Revise and modify, at any time prior to the Submittal Due Date, factors it will consider in evaluating Proposals and to otherwise revise its evaluation methodology;

C. Seek additional relevant information and clarification regarding any Respondent’s qualifications to perform the work and to determine whether a Respondent is deemed responsive and responsible based on that information;

D. Extend dates, time periods or deadlines in this RFP;

E. Reject any and all Proposals in whole or in part which are non-conforming, non-responsive, or conditional Proposals;

F. Waive minor deficiencies, informalities, irregularities or defects;

G. Suspend and/or terminate this procurement process at any time;

H. Reissue the same RFP or a different Solicitation for this project;

I. Hold meetings and conduct discussions and issue correspondence with one or more of the

Respondents to seek an improved understanding and evaluation of the Proposals;

J. Use assistance of outside advisors 9e.g., technical, financial, procurement and legal advisors) in the evaluation process;

K. Accept Proposals that in its judgment will be in the best interest of Tampa Bay Water;

L. Suspend, discontinue and/or terminate negotiations at any time prior to the actual authorized execution of a Contract by all parties;

M. Tampa Bay Water expressly reserves the right to exercise all rights available to it under this

Section and other Provisions of applicable Florida law pertaining to this RFP without incurring any liability for costs, expenses or damages of any nature whatsoever suffered or incurred by any Respondent, team member or any other person.

5. DISQUALIFICATION/REJECTION

Without limiting the foregoing, Tampa Bay Water may disqualify and reject any Respondent (including its sub-consultants, affiliates, partners and parent organizations) that:

A. Fails to include information in its Proposal required by this RFP;

B. Engages in conduct prohibited by this RFP;

C. Fails to obtain Tampa Bay Water’s consent for any action when required by this RFP;

D. Is involved in pending litigation concerning Tampa Bay Water or its Member Governments;

E. Submits false or misleading information in its Proposal;

F. Has a conflict of interest;

G. Fails to disclose any information which, if disclosed, would materially adversely affect Tampa

Bay Water’s evaluation of the Proposal; or H. Otherwise fails to comply with or breaches any material requirement of this RFP.

Respondents are hereby notified that Section 287.0571, Florida Statutes, requires that Tampa Bay Water may not request documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor.

6. PROPOSAL COSTS AND EXPENSES

All costs and expenses incurred by a Respondent, or any person working on behalf of a Respondent, in connection with the RFP, including the preparation and submission of a Proposal, providing additional information, attendance at meetings, presentations or interviews, and any other actions taken by a Respondent in response to the RFP shall be the sole responsibility of the Respondent. Tampa Bay Water and its agents, officers and directors shall have no responsibility or liability for any costs, damages or expenses incurred by Respondent, team members or any other person as a result of this RFP.

7. NON-BINDING

The issuance of this RFP does not bind or obligate Tampa Bay Water to enter into a Contract with any person or legal entity, no does the RFP constitute an offer to enter into a Contract with any person or entity. Tampa Bay Water and its agents and representatives are not liable for any delays, interruptions, failure or irregularities in sending or receipt of any communications or submissions, or for the loss, misdirection or corruption of any such communication by Respondent with Tampa Bay Water. Respondent is solely responsible for meeting all deadlines and submission requirements of this RFP.

8. NONCONFORMING

Proposal may be deemed nonconforming if it contains omissions, erasures, alterations, or additions of any kind is obviously unbalanced, or if it in any manner fails to conform to the requirements provided for herein.

9. NON-COLLUSION

The Respondent declares that the only person(s) or party(s) interested in this Proposal are those named herein, that this Proposal is, in all respects, fair and without fraud, that is made without collusion with any official of Tampa Bay Water and that the Proposal is made without any connection or collusion with any person submitting another Proposal on the Contract included herein. By submitting a Response to this RFP, Respondent also represents that its Proposal has been prepared without collusion or fraud and in fair competitions with other Respondents, without any restraint on free competition, and acknowledges that Tampa Bay Water is acting in reliance upon that representation.

10. EMPLOYEE VERIFICATION

In accordance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, the Respondent acknowledges it has registered with and utilizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by Respondent. The Respondent must also include a requirement in subcontracts that the subcontractor must register with and utilize the E- Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subcontractor during the award/contract term. If the Respondent enters into a Contract with a subcontractor, the subcontractor must provide the Respondent with an affidavit stating that the subcontractor does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with any unauthorized alien. The Respondent shall maintain a copy of this affidavit for the duration of the Contract.

11. HUMAN TRAFFICKING

In accordance with Section 787.06, Florida Statutes, the Respondent must provide Tampa Bay Water with an affidavit regarding Human Trafficking. Respondent attests, under penalty of perjury, that Respondent does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section 787.06, Florida Statutes.

12. AFFIDAVIT FORM

The affidavit included herein must be completed by the Respondent and included in the submittal provided to Tampa Bay Water in response to this RFP. This affidavit will attest that the Respondent 1) has made this Proposal without collusion with any official of Tampa Bay Water and without any connection or collusion with any person submitting another Proposal on the Contract included herein; 2) does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien; and 3) does not use coercion for labor or services, as detailed in the above sections for Non- Collusion, Employee Verification and Human Trafficking.

13. PREPARATION AND REVIEW

Respondent is solely responsible for conducting their own independent research and due diligence in the preparation of a Proposal and the subsequent delivery of services under the Contract.

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PART III - PROCESS AND EVALUATION INFORMATION

1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS

It is Tampa Bay Water’s intention to solicit responses from potentially qualified Respondents.

Proposers will be selected based on qualifications and project approach in accordance with the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), Section 287.055, Florida Statutes. Submittals will be scored and ranked according to the Scoring Criteria. To evaluate the Proposals, the committee may consider both written submittals and if deemed necessary interviews/presentations. Tampa Bay Water will evaluate all qualifying Proposals. Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to request additional information and clarification of any information submitted.

2. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS

Proposals will be evaluated by a Tampa Bay Water Selection Committee in accordance with the Sunshine Law. The Selection Committee members will score the Proposals based on the Scoring Criteria below. The Purchasing Representative will compile the scores. Based upon compiled scores, the Proposers will be ranked, and a short list prepared of the top ranked Proposers. The ranking will be posted on-line via Bonfire and via link on Tampa Bay Water’s website. If applicable, short-listed Proposers will be contacted by Purchasing and scheduled for the interview portion. If held interviews will be noticed and held in accordance with the Sunshine Law and will be used to clarify Proposal elements or for future discussion. Proposers participating in this phase will be provided with interview information.

Written Submittal and interview presentations may be considered to determine the best overall qualified Proposer to be recommended to the Board of Directors for award. A Notice of Intent to Negotiate and Award with the top recommended Proposer will be posted on Bonfire and via link on Tampa Bay Water’s website. Should Tampa Bay Water’s representative fail to negotiate satisfactorily with the Proposer determined to be the most qualified under a compensation arrangement which Tampa Bay Water considers to be fair, competitive and reasonable, negotiations with such Proposer shall be terminated and the authorized Tampa Bay Water representative shall then begin negotiations with the second most qualified Proposer. Such negotiations shall continue as described above until Tampa Bay Water has exhausted the order of short-listed Proposers. Failing an agreement with such Proposers, Tampa Bay Water may select additional Proposers in order of competency and qualifications as indicated in the Proposal evaluations until a Contract is reached or Tampa Bay Water may modify or cancel the RFP or reissue the RFP. The initial scores of the written Submittals to determine ranking will be based upon the categories, points and criteria as noted below.

3. WRITTEN SUBMITTAL SCORING CRITERIA

Project Team Availability – 10 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 6)

Score Criteria

1-5

Designated project team can obtain staff and equipment to mobilize upon contract execution, can complete the required field, analysis, and reporting tasks in a timely and complete manner, and can respond on short notice to requests for meetings, filed work, and/or as needed tasks.

7-10

Designated project team possesses sufficient staff resources and dedicated equipment to mobilize upon contract execution, can provide back up of equipment and personnel as required, can complete the required field, analysis, and reporting tasks in a timely and complete manner, ad can respond on short notice to requests for meetings, field work, and/or as needed tasks.

Project Management Experience – 15 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 7)

Score Criteria

1-4 Designated project managers have little to some experience managing long term monitoring, analysis, and reporting projects somewhat similar to the summary scope of work.

7-10 Designated project managers have considerable experience managing long term monitoring, analysis, and reporting, projects similar to the summary scope of work.

13-

Designated project managers have extensive experience managing long term monitoring, analysis, and reporting, projects very similar to the summary scope of work.

Similar Work Experience – 25 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 8)

1-7 Designated personnel have little to some work experience performing monitoring, analysis, and reporting tasks somewhat similar to the summary scope of work.

10-

Designated personnel have considerable work experience performing monitoring, analysis, and reporting tasks similar to the summary scope of work.

19-

Designated personnel have extensive work experience performing monitoring, analysis, and reporting tasks very similar to the summary scope of work.

Statistical Expertise – 10 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 10)

1-4 Designated personnel have little to some experience performing analyses using raw ecological and hydrological data to make defensible, scientifically valid conclusions.

7-10 Designated personnel have considerable to extensive experience performing analyses using raw ecological and hydrological data to make defensible, scientifically valid conclusions.

Regional Ecologic Knowledge – 10 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 11)

1-4

Designated personnel have little to some experience working in regional wetland plant communities and/or have limited expertise in the analysis of the relations between hydrology and ecology, and between ecologic parameters and anthropogenic disturbance (i.e., impacts), 7-10

Designated personnel have demonstrated considerable to extensive experience working in regional wetland plant communities and have demonstrated expertise in the analysis of the relationships between hydrology and ecology, and between ecologic parameters and anthropogenic disturbance (i.e., impacts), Regional Hydrologic Knowledge – 10 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 12)

1-4 Designated personnel have little to some experience with regional geologic and hydrologic systems, and/or have limited experience analyzing the effects of groundwater withdrawals, and/or surface water/groundwater interactions.

7-10

Designated personnel have considerable to extensive experience with regional geologic and hydrologic systems, and have extensive experience analyzing the effects of groundwater withdrawals, and/or surface water/groundwater interactions.

Geographical Analysis (GIS/CAD) and Remote Sensing Expertise – 10 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 13)

Score Criteria

1-4 Designated personnel have little to some experience in preparing maps and displaying results of analyses in geographic perspectives using GIS.

7-10 Designated personnel have demonstrated considerable to extensive experience preparing maps and displaying results of analyses in geographic perspectives using GIS.

Recommended Project Approach – 20 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 14)

1-5 The recommended project approach has some probability of efficiently meeting the monitoring, data quality, analysis, and reporting needs of the project.

8-12 The recommended project approach has a good probability of efficiently meeting the monitoring, data quality, analysis, and reporting needs of the project.

15-20 The recommended project approach has an excellent probability of efficiently meeting the monitoring, data quality, analysis, and reporting needs of the project.

Expert Witness Experience – 5 points (Submittal Requirements, Section 14)

1-2 Designated personnel have little to some experience, ability, and expertise as expert witnesses in legal proceedings regarding scientific topics related to the project.

4-5 Designated personnel have considerable to extensive experience, ability, and expertise as expert witnesses in legal proceedings regarding scientific topics related to the project.

Volume of Work Previously Awarded – 5 Points

0-5

PRIME consultant has received payments for work on a Contract, Assignment, Task, or Purchase Order from Tampa Bay Water within last two (2) previous completed fiscal years through to current date. Tampa Bay Water will make this assessment based on its financial records. The points are distributed as follows:

$0-$200,000 – five (5) points available $200,001 - $400,000 – four (4) points available $400,001 - $600,000 – three (3) points available $600,001 - $800,000 – two (2) points available Exceeding $800,001 – zero (0) points

Minority Status – 5 Points (Submittal Requirements, Section 3)

Certification documents are to be submitted with the proposal. Certification must be current at time of submittal and issued by a nationally recognized agency such as National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) or their respective state office or affiliate. Certificates are also acceptable if issued by the Florida Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) or one of Tampa Bay Water’s member governments which are the Counties of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough and the cities of Tampa, New Port Richey, and St. Petersburg.

Score Criteria

0 PRIME is not certified, or documents are not in conformance with these instructions.

PRIME submits proper MBE Certification current at the time of SUBMITTAL and in accordance with Part III, Section 3.5 of this RFP.

MBE is defined by the Florida Statute 288.703. No MBE points for sub-contractors will be awarded.

Total possible Points – 125

4. TIE SCORES

In case of a tie in either the written or interview phase, the MBE/WBE certification shall be the first tie breaker. If both Proposers qualify for the MBE Certification points, the Volume of Work score will be the second tie breaker and the Proposer with the lowest volume of payments shall be deemed the highest scoring Proposer. The third tie breaker will be the highest compiled score in the highest weighted category. Category scores will be compared in descending order until the tie is broken.

PART IV - PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT

1. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

The Respondent’s Proposal must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions could be cause for rejection of the Proposal. Submittals should be tabbed and divided in accordance with the sections outlined below for ease of review. Submittals must be in a font no smaller than 11 point and adhere to the page limits set forth herein. Proposals may be two-sided and each side of type size 8 ½” by 11” will equal one page.

PROPOSALS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Section 1 – Transmittal Letter (limit 2 pages)

Name and address of Respondent and the contact individual authorized to execute Contracts with Tampa Bay Water.

Briefly describe Respondent’s history, ownership, organizational structure, location of headquarters and other facilities.

For the office which will service the Tampa Bay Water account, provide the office location, number of staff and managerial personnel assigned to this location and activities performed at this location. Identify those staff who would be assigned to this task.

Describe the type of services provided by Respondent, types of clients and length of time in the industry. Provide contact information for the project manager. Provide an overview of the Proposer’s service capabilities.

Complete the following Proposal Forms provided in Part V and include in this section.

(Forms are not included in page counts.)

Addenda Acknowledgment Form Signature Page and Authorized Signatures Form (Note: A notarized power-of-attorney must accompany the Signature Page in this section if the signer is not an officer or partner of the company.)

Affidavit Form

Section 2 – Contract Document (limit 2 pages) Provide a written statement accepting the terms and conditions of the attached Sample Contract “as is” with no modifications or provide comments for consideration. Tampa Bay Water reserves the right to reject any requests for modification.

Section 3 – Disclosures and Conflict of Interest (limit 2 pages) Provide the following statements/clarifications:

State that Respondent is not currently in violation of any regulatory rules and regulations that may have an impact on the Respondent’s operations.

Describe any past, pending or threatened litigation or regulatory action involving Services provided by the Respondent or indicate if none are known to exist.

State that the offer has been prepared independently without consultation or communication with any other Respondent for the purpose of restricting competition.

Disclose any potential conflict of interest which would adversely affect the Respondent’s ability to provide fair, loyal and competitive services to Tampa Bay Water. Such disclosures shall include, but not be limited to the Respondent’s contractual obligations, property interests or clientele relationship or the property interests, contractual obligations or relationships of the Respondent’s principals, officers, directors, employees or agents which are directly or indirectly related to Tampa Bay Water and its operations.

Identify current and previous (past 5 years) contractual relationships with Tampa Bay Water, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), any of Tampa Bay Water’s Member Governments and characterize any related potential conflicts of interest.

Section 4 – MBE Certification (limit 2 pages) Attach evidence of Minority Business Enterprise Certification or state that Respondent has no Certification.

Section 5 - Organizational Chart (limit 2 pages) Include a chart graphic showing project member names, firm, and role within the project.

In addition, this section should include a list of the project members, title, firm, and role, and a more detailed description of their project tasks and responsibilities. This should include all key team members and sub-consultants/specialists.

Section 6 - Project Team Availability (limit 2 pages) Include a description of the availability of the project team and the location of their primary office.

Please include a table, pie chart, etc., of how much of the firm’s total resource time is allocated to the following three areas: current workload, projected workload, resource time available for Tampa Bay Water projects.

Section 7 - Project Manager (limit 2 pages) Identify the following information for key team members to establish project management ability:

a. Name

b. Title/Position

c. Education

d. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, Professional Affiliations

e. Years of Relevant Experience

f. Responsibilities (nature/title of typical project assignment)

g. Example Tasks of Representative Projects for the last (5) years. Limit relevant projects to three examples. Examples must include at least one project for clients other than Tampa Bay Water. Tampa Bay Water staff may not be used as reference for this requirement.

Section 8 - Team Qualifications (limit 5 pages, not including resumes) Identify the following information for key team members to establish project related expertise:

a. Name

b. Title/Position

c. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, Professional Affiliations

d. Years of Relevant Experience in imagery acquisition and remote sensing data management

e. Responsibilities (nature/title of typical project assignment)

f. Example Tasks of Representative Projects for the last five (5) years. Limit relevant projects to three examples. Examples must include at least one project for clients other than Tampa Bay Water. Tampa Bay Water staff may not be used as reference for this requirement.

g. Key Team Member resumes should be included in this section. Resumes are not included in the page limit.

Section 9 - Relevant and Similar Project Experience (limit 15 pages) Include the following information on relevant projects that your project team has worked on in the past five years: Limit relevant projects to three examples. These projects do not have to be the same as those used for Section 7 and Section 8 above. Examples must include at least one client other than Tampa Bay Water. Tampa Bay Water staff may not be used as reference for this requirement.

a. Client Name

b. Project Name

c. Approximate Dates

d. Contract Value

e. Names of project members and their roles and services provided

f. Short Project Description

g. Was the project completed on schedule? If the project had an early finish, explain the timeliness or if a late finish, explain any delays.

h. Was the project completed within budget? Explain reasons for savings or overages.

Section 10 - Statistical Expertise (limit 3 pages) Discuss team qualifications with respect to performing statistical analyses on ecological and hydrological data. Highlight portions of projects described under Relevant Project Experience as support.

Section 11 - Regional Ecological Knowledge (limit 4 pages) Discuss team qualifications with respect to performing work in ecological systems typical of the project area. Highlight portions of projects described under Relevant Project Experience as support.

Section 12 - Regional Hydrological Knowledge (limit 4 pages) Discuss team qualifications with respect to performing work in hydrological and hydrogeological systems typical of the project area. Highlight portions of projects described under Relevant Project Experience as support.

Section 13 - GIS and Remote Sensing Expertise (limit 3 pages) Discuss team qualifications with respect to working with GIS and various imagery products to characterize or analyze ecological and hydrological systems typical of the project area.

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